Whole cubeb pepper

Whole cubeb pepper:

Native to Indonesia, cubeb pepper is hand-harvested in plantations near the famous Kawa Ijen volcano, whose ash enriches the soil and gives the berries their distinctive character. Known since ancient times, this pepper with its woody, camphorous and slightly resinous notes was once prized in traditional medicine and used as an aphrodisiac. Unlike traditional black peppers such as Sarawak or Tellicherry, cubeb has a distinctive little tail and a fresh aroma reminiscent of eucalyptus and black tea. It enhances exotic dishes such as a lamb curry with coconut milk, a ratatouille revisited with ancient spices or even a cubeb-vanilla rum blend. Its unique profile makes it the spice of choice for lovers of new sensations, while retaining a subtle elegance on the palate.

The taste of Cubeb Pepper.

Cubeb pepper has a unique and complex flavour, quite different from classic black peppers:

Aromatic profile :

Warm, camphorous flavour, with a slight bitterness.

Woody, resinous and slightly mentholated notes, sometimes compared to eucalyptus.

A hint of peppery freshness on the finish, less pungent than classic black pepper.

It is often said to evoke a blend of black pepper, cloves and mint. This profile makes it a highly prized spice in Asian, North African and Oriental cuisine, as well as in certain recipes for blended rums and medicinal herbal teas.

It's a pepper with character, to be used sparingly to enhance both savoury and sweet dishes, or even infusions!

How to use cubeb pepper.

Cubeb pepper, with its resinous, camphorated fragrance, is a precious spice to be handled with subtlety. Here's how to use it to get the best out of it:

Whole: perfect for infusions, broths, mixed rums, or to slip into a pepper mill.

Crushed: for marinades, red meat or game.

Infused: in cream, syrup or even compote, to impart its flavour without bitterness.

Cubeb pepper is more subtle than black pepper, but its minty flavour can dominate. Count on 1 to 2 peppercorns per person, or a small pinch for a family dish.

The benefits of cubeb pepper.

Cubeb pepper, often used in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in Indonesia and China, is known for several potential health benefits:

🌿 1. antiseptic and antibacterial effect

Thanks to its richness in essential oils (notably cubebene), cubeb pepper is renowned for its antimicrobial properties. It was traditionally used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections.

🌿 2. Digestive system support

Cubeb pepper aids digestion by stimulating the production of saliva and gastric juices. It is also used to relieve bloating, gas and intestinal disorders.

🌿 3. Anti-inflammatory properties

Its bioactive compounds give it a gentle anti-inflammatory action, useful in relieving mild joint pain or minor chronic inflammation.

🌿 4. Natural stimulant

Like other peppers, it has slightly tonic and stimulating properties, beneficial in cases of fatigue or reduced vitality.

🔎 Please note: These benefits are derived from ancient medicinal traditions. They are not a substitute for medical advice, and the use of cubeb pepper for therapeutic purposes should always be approached with caution.